Leading The Way: Spain Officially Europe’s First Country To Approve Period Pain Leave
Spain is officially leading the way to normalising paid leave for period pains, as it’s officially the first European country to approve menstrual leave.
Spain’s members of parliament officially voted on the bill on Thursday, with the proposal garnering 190 votes in favour, 154 against, and five abstentions.
The new bill provides women with the option to take paid menstrual leave related to painful period pains.
“We recognise menstrual health as part of the right to health and we fight stigma and silence,” Spain’s Equality Minister Irene Montero said.
A doctor would have to approve the leave, similarly to the process followed with paid leave for other health reasons. The limit of the leave has not yet been defined.
Some countries have already implemented this type of leave, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Zambia.
On a local level, the discussion was sparked by Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar, when she said that Parliament should consider introducing period pain leave.
Do you think Malta should follow suit?
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